The East is a Podcast Syncretic imperialism: A forum on Spanish imperialism in Latin America
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Apr 25, 2025 AI Snips
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Altitude Sickness in Andes Visits
- Sina experienced extreme altitude sickness traveling to Johanna's remote Andean community.
- He wondered how small Spanish forces managed to conquer such difficult terrain and peoples.
Syncretism in Andean Catholicism
- Spanish colonizers blended Catholicism with indigenous Andean traditions, creating syncretic religious practices.
- This syncretism helped sustain indigenous culture while integrating colonial religious elements.
Pragmatic Basis of Syncretism
- Spanish colonial syncretism was often pragmatic, as complete cultural erasure was impossible.
- The colonial strategy combined coercion with cultural blending rather than outright replacement.